The big race tomorrow is the Irish Champion Hurdle. Solwhit, Medermit and Punjabi all try their luck after finishing down the field in the Cheltenham version while Dunguib, beaten when an apparent “certainty” at Cheltenham and Hurricane Fly returning from injury are other fascinating contenders. If Hurricane Fly is back to his best he would take some beating while Punjabi is proven on both the track and the going.
The Punchestown 4.55 looks ultra competitive. Quiscover Fontaine looks the pick of the home team although the ground may not be ideal for him. The British challenge comes from Kangaroo Court who was a first fence faller last week and Cheltenham winner Copper Bleu. I fancy this pair to go well.
I have been following Luska Lad this season with some success. He comes into the 6.05 on the back of a hat trick of wins. His most recent success was at Fairyhouse and the form of the race was boosted this week when the runner up won. Whether the ground will suit Luska Lad may be questionable but he is a serious contender. Reve de Sivola was runner up to Peddler’s Cross and Cheltenham and that horse has since won well at Aintree. Quantativeasing and Fionnegas are others to consider but Luska Lad and Reve de Sivola would be my main fancies.
The 6.40 could go to Arvika Ligeonniere from a stable very much in form.
At Sandown Invincible Soul looks well handicapped in the 1.10 while Simenon looks over priced in the 1.45. I would be inclined to look for some value in the 3.55 where Zahoo, Rock a Doodle Doo and Higgy’s Ragazzo all make some appeal.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Karen Davies.
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